The Pixies' Complete B-Sides: 1988-97 (Remaster) is a treasure trove for fans, offering a unique glimpse into the band's creative process and their ability to experiment. This collection is not just a collection of leftovers; it's a testament to the band's versatility and their willingness to push boundaries. Personally, I think this remaster is a must-have for any Pixies fan, as it showcases the band's evolution and their impact on the indie rock scene.
What makes this album particularly fascinating is the way it reveals the band's artistic freedom. The B-sides are often more experimental, allowing the band to explore different sounds and styles. For instance, the re-recording of 'River Euphrates' with producer Gil Norton is a full-bodied and swaggering take on the Surfer Rosa track, showcasing the band's ability to reinvent their classics. This is a detail that I find especially interesting, as it demonstrates the band's commitment to innovation.
One thing that immediately stands out is the band's willingness to take risks. The B-sides often feature more unusual and experimental songs, such as 'Weird At My School' and 'Build High'. These songs add a layer of unpredictability to the band's discography, making them stand out from their classic albums. In my opinion, this is what makes the Pixies so captivating; they are not afraid to venture into uncharted territories.
The album also highlights the band's cover versions, which are often surprising and unique. The band's take on Neil Young's 'Winterlong' is already an anthem, replacing the trundling Neil Young original in the hearts of a generation of alternative music fans. However, the band's cover of Young's 1968 song 'I've Been Waiting for You' is lesser known yet almost as strong, thanks to a magically understated vocal from Kim Deal. This raises a deeper question: why are some cover versions more successful than others?
From my perspective, the success of a cover version often depends on the band's ability to add their own unique twist to the song. The Pixies' covers are successful because they manage to capture the essence of the original song while infusing it with their own style. This is a skill that not many bands possess.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the band's use of covers to explore different genres. The band's cover of 'In Heaven (Lady in the Radiator Song)' by Eraserhead is a haunting and eerie take on the original song, while their cover of 'Evil Hearted You' by The Yardbirds is injected with telenovela passion. This demonstrates the band's ability to adapt and incorporate different musical styles into their own.
What this really suggests is that the Pixies' B-sides are not just leftovers; they are a reflection of the band's artistic growth and their willingness to explore new sounds. The remaster is a celebration of this, offering fans a chance to discover hidden gems and appreciate the band's versatility. In conclusion, the Pixies' Complete B-Sides: 1988-97 (Remaster) is a must-listen for any fan, as it showcases the band's evolution and their impact on the indie rock scene.
